Individuals do not readily identify themselves as caregivers. Unless a sudden accident or illness intervenes, the caregiver role evolves over time and gradually turns into a major time-consuming responsibility that can be stressful. In fact, more than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.

Are There Other Family Caregivers?

Of older adults living in the community and needing long-term care:

• Only 8% relied solely on formal caregivers – paid help.
• Nearly two-thirds depended on family and friends – informal caregivers – as their only source of help.

The typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman caring for her widowed mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 60% of family caregivers are women. Women have assumed informal caregiving roles as mother, spouse, daughter and daughter-in-law. Many female caregivers (40%) are rearing their own children and two-thirds also work outside the home, mostly full time. However, many new studies show that men are assuming caregiving responsibilities also.

About 1.4 million children ages 8 to 18 provide care for an adult relative, and 72% are caring for a parent or grandparent. Though most of these children are not the sole caregiver, the act of caregiving still affects their lives. Thirty percent of family caregivers caring for seniors are themselves 65 or older; another 15% are between the ages of 45 and 54.